Pages

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Maggiano's Little Italy

At Maggiano's they serve family style Italian - American food, where the portions are large, affordable and consistently well executed. With an ideal location in Park Plaza neighboring the Theater District, I've been here quite a few times since I've lived in the city (Adam's family loves this place!) generally as a preface to a show or a movie. I've even been to a wedding reception in the downstairs banquet rooms, which (who knew?!) offer a warm and inviting space, with plenty of room for dancing! I still remember being blown away at how fantastic that wedding was, at a chain restaurant of all places.

When Maggiano's recently invited me in to sample their menu, I happily obliged and invited Adam along to help me out. I started with a glass of White Wine Sangria ($8.75) which was sweet and fruity. I'm generally a fan of crisp, wine forward sangria, so I wished there had been a little more wine and a little less soda. Even so, it was refreshing and easy to drink.

As far as appetizers go, the Zucchini Fritte($8.25) are a standout. Thick strips of the firm green vegetable are cloaked in coarse Japanese bread crumbs and fried until tender and perfectly crispy. The lemon aioli is just the right texture, smooth and on the thin side, so slather it generously on the fritters, they make an excellent pair.

Somehow, after these two appetizers and but one slice of bread, we were feeling stuffed! Family style dining is where it's at around here, as we glanced around and notice the restaurant was packed, mostly with large parties, even on a Monday night. We knew the entrees would be generous portions, nothing wrong with having lunch already planned for tomorrow.

Their rendition of a traditional Chicken Saltimboca($16.95) served in a garlic white wine sauce with caramelized onions was juicy and flavorful; the always delectable combination of salty prosciutto and earthy sage with a layer of melted provolone cheese was beautifully done. A side of Angel hair pasta aglio oilo comes included in with the entree. Adam thoroughly enjoyed his Spaghetti and Meatballs ($12.95). Simple, classic and inexpensive, these are the types of dishes you are going to find on the menu here. It's not for the adventurous palate, and it's not aiming to be trendy.

We ended the meal with frothy Cappuccinos ($3.95) and Creme Brulee ($7.50). I appreciated how the creme brulee was served in a wide yet shallow dish, guaranteeing shards of burnt sugar in every creamy, custard filled bite. With kind hearted, knowledgeable servers at the helm, you're in good hands at Maggiano's. Adam and I practically had to roll each other out of there, with our to go bags in hand, and it was off to see The Dark Night Rises at the Boston Common Loews just down the street. (I loved it!)

The food tonight was complimentary, (we paid for alcohol, tax and tip) but all opinions are my own.

Your meal looks WAY better than the one from the boston food blogger event haha. Yea, it's funny i've always had a soft spot for that maggianos from the days of working nearby and eating excessive lunches there and not getting anything done all afternoon.

My family has celebrated many milestones at that Maggiano's including my college graduation and my cousin's engagement. They host great parties! I too love the fried zucchini. Shoot! Now I want that right now.